PulseExploreJournal ClubDebatesTrendingResearchersJournals
Instagram
HomeExploreJournal ClubTrending
Synapse
⌘+K
Synapse
February 9, 2026Headache The Journal of Head and Face Pain0 citationsOpen Access

The International Pediatric Headache Didactic Series: A Novel Curriculum Innovation

View Full Paper
SPSara PavittSISruthi IlangovanZAZoë Allen

Key Points

  • The study aimed to describe the design, implementation, and impact of the International Pediatric Headache Didactic Series for healthcare education.
  • Developed a recurring series of 23 biweekly lectures on pediatric headaches delivered virtually.
  • Lectures are accessible via Zoom and an open-access website for asynchronous learning.
  • Pre- and post-surveys were administered to measure knowledge and satisfaction among attendees.
  • Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics; qualitative data through content analysis.
  • Over 480 participants signed up for the IPHDS from nine countries and 31 US states.
  • Pre-intervention, 56.7% of participants felt competent in headache medicine; post-intervention, this increased to 76.9%.
  • 78.8% of post-survey respondents felt the program significantly improved their knowledge of pediatric headaches.

Abstract

Abstract Objectives The International Pediatric Headache Didactic Series (IPHDS) was developed to provide free, comprehensive pediatric headache education to healthcare professionals worldwide. The objective of this study was to describe the design, implementation, and impact of this prospective educational intervention. Background Headache is the most common neurological symptom within the pediatric population. Yet, only nine fellowships are offered in pediatric headache medicine. Limitations in access to education and training are often cited as reasons for diagnostic and management barriers. To address this gap, the IPHDS was established in July 2022. Methods IPHDS is a recurring series consisting of 23 biweekly lectures. Lectures are delivered virtually via Zoom and available for asynchronous learning on an open‐access website. Lecture topics are based on the United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties' curriculum recommendations. Pre‐ and post‐surveys were developed collaboratively by content experts and administered to attendees. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, and qualitative data were analyzed using conventional qualitative content analysis. Results From July 2022 to July 2023, over 480 people signed up for IPHDS. Lecture attendees represented a variety of clinical backgrounds including advanced practice providers (26.4%, n = 128/484), MD/DO headache providers (25.4%, n = 123/484), adult headache fellows (12.6%, n = 61/484), pediatric headache fellows (10.3%, n = 50/484), residents (8.1%, n = 39/484), clinical nurses (8.1%, n = 39/484), MD/DO neurology (non‐headache) providers (2.1%, n = 10/484), researchers (1.6%, n = 8/484), medical students (1.4%, n = 7/484), orofacial pain providers (1.0%, n = 5/484), psychologists (<1%, n = 3/484), and pharmacists (<1%, n = 3/484). Lecture attendees represented nine countries and 31 US states. Median attendance for live lectures was 34.0 people interquartile range: 28.3–42.5, and median viewership of the posted lectures to date was 79.0 views interquartile range: 52.0–93.0. Prior to attending IPHDS, only 56.7% ( n = 230/406) of participants reported being competent or very competent in headache medicine knowledge. After attending IPHDS, 76.9% ( n = 40/52) of participants reported being competent or very competent in knowledge of headache medicine, as indicated in their post‐survey. Similarly, 78.8% ( n = 41/52) of participants indicated that this didactic series moderately or significantly added to their knowledge of pediatric headache medicine. Conclusion This novel didactic series successfully delivered free pediatric headache education to healthcare professionals worldwide. Furthermore, this didactic series serves as a framework for other subspecialties looking to disseminate education from specialists in the field. IPHDS continues on an annual basis, following the academic calendar year, and now holds continuing medical education accreditation.

Ask AI
Helpful
Bookmark
Share
View Full Paper

Cite This Study

Pavitt et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/698979d9f0ec2af6756e7d1dhttps://doi.org/10.1111/head.70056
Ask AI
Helpful
Bookmark
Share
View Full Paper